By Tyler Ody
PETE TONG RECEIVES THE
MUSIC INDUSTRY TRUSTS AWARD 2021
FOR THE 30TH YEAR OF MITS AWARDS
PERFORMANCES FROM NEW ORDER, BECKY HILL,
NORMAN JAY MBE
Music legend, DJ, pioneer and national treasure Pete Tong MBE is this year’s recipient of the prestigious Music Industry Trusts Award (MITS), in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the music and broadcast industries. Over a thirty plus year career, Tong’s tireless commitment to championing the music he loves has seen him earn the role of ‘the global ambassador of dance music’.
Last night’s ceremony (1st November) marked the 30th year of the MITS and the occasion was celebrated with a night of performances at the gala ceremony held in aid of the BRIT Trust and Nordoff Robbins in The Great Room, Grosvenor House Hotel. Hosted by acclaimed fellow DJ and presenter DJ Spoony, with performances from some of Pete’s longstanding friends and collaborators New Order, Becky Hill and Norman Jay MBE.
New Order brought the house down with a set filled with their more recent anthems and iconic classics ‘Regret’, ‘Be A Rebel’ before closing with the epic ‘Blue Monday’. Earlier in the evening, girl of the moment Becky Hill put on a spectacular performance with hits from her and Pete’s Ibiza Classics set, including a cover of Robyn’s ‘With Every Heartbeat’, ‘Love Can’t Turn Around,’ and ‘You’ve Got The Love’, joined by the incomparable vocalists Vula Malinga, Brendan Reilly and Holly Petrie, who have all recently toured with Pete. As the celebrations came to a close, Good Times legend Norman Jay MBE topped off the evening with a lively DJ set.
Special guests on the night included: music legend Nile Rodgers, Idris Elba, Spandau Ballet’s Gary Kemp, Duran Duran front man Simon Le Bon and his wife Yasmin Le Bon, The Script’s front man Danny O’Donoghue and Tallia Storm.
After being presented his award by friend Idris Elba, Pete told the crowd, “I’m seriously thrilled and humbled to be standing here receiving the MITS Award because I think this is recognition of dance music’s and club culture’s influence and success. Looking round this room, there are so many people that have been on that journey with me so this is for all of you.”
MITS chairman David Munns says, “We had a wonderful evening last night celebrating Pete Tong’s achievements in the music business. He’s the second DJ and broadcaster to be receiving the MITS Award, after the legend Fluff Freeman, and it’s a moment that we want to happen more and more. By acknowledging Pete, we too want to pay tribute to the dance music sector that brings so much talent, energy and excellence to the music industry.
We have been doing this for 30 years, celebrating legends in our industry and more essentially, raising funds for Nordoff Robbins and The BRIT Trust. It’s reassuring to know that after three decades, there is still a lot of love out there for good people and good causes.”
Pete follows 2019 MITS honourees, Harry Magee and Richard Griffiths of Modest! Management, and joins the ranks of previous recipients including Emma Banks, Rob Stringer, Sir Lucian Grainge, Ahmet Ertegun, Michael Eavis CBE, and Roger Daltrey CBE.
This year, MITS chairman David Munns will be stepping down after 27 years. He is succeeded by Dan Chalmers and Toby Leighton-Pope who will take on the roles of co-chair.
Celebrating its 30th year this year, the Music Industry Trusts Award is recognised as one of the true benchmarks of achievement in the UK music business and continues to benefit hugely deserving causes year after year. The MITS Award supports two important charities, the BRIT Trust and Nordoff Robbins, and is sponsored by PPL, SJM Concerts, YouTube and Spotify. The last few tables are available, to register interest visit:
www.mitsaward.co.uk
#MITSAward
For more information please contact:
The Outside Organisation: +44(0)2074363633
Suzannah Fellows suzannah.fellows@outside-org.